Canadian pharmacists oppose drug exports to US

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2007

OTTAWA (AFP) — Canadian pharmacists have asked Ottawa to oppose the exportation of prescription medicines to the United States, where they cost more, to prevent dangerous shortages at home. Pharmacist groups sent their plea in a letter to Health Minister Tony Clement, as the US Congress gets ready to vote on a bill that prohibits US customs agents from seizing medicines ordered from Canada for personal use.

"Patients can't afford this risk," said Best Medicines Coalition chairwoman Louise Binder in the letter. "Canadians need reassurance today that prescription drugs will be there when we need them." The Canadian Pharmacists Association, in turn, warned that the US measure could cause disastrous shortages in Canada's pharmaceutical supplies. "We have been raising concern...